Block-in-shell heat exchanger

ABSTRACT

A block in shell type heat exchanger having a jacket surrounding a jacket space to receive first medium. The jacket space accommodates a plate and block heat exchanger with first and second heat exchange passages. A first collector and a second collector connect to the second heat exchange passages for introduction and withdrawal of the second medium. A pipe extends from the second collector and exits the jacket space through an opening in the jacket to withdraw the second medium. The first collector has an inlet stub situated perpendicular to the extension of the first collector. The second medium can be introduced through the inlet stub into the first collector. A third collector is arranged in the jacket space and connects with the inlet stub and has the form of a hollow sphere or a hollow half-sphere.

The invention relates to a heat exchanger as per claim 1.

A heat exchanger of said type serves for the indirect exchange of heat between a first and a second medium, and said heat exchanger has a shell which surrounds a shell chamber for receiving the first medium, and said heat exchanger has a plate-type heat exchanger which is arranged in the shell chamber and which has a heat exchanger block which has first heat exchange passages for receiving the first medium and second heat exchange passages for receiving the second medium, wherein the heat exchange passages are configured such that heat of a second medium flowing in the second heat exchange passages can be transferred indirectly to first medium flowing in the first heat exchange passages. Furthermore, the heat exchanger has a first collector (also referred to as header) which is fixed to a first side of the heat exchanger block and which is fluidically connected to the second heat exchange passages, such that the second medium can be introduced into the second heat exchange passages via the first collector, and the heat exchanger has a second collector (or header) which is fixed to a second side, averted from the first side, of the heat exchanger block and which is fluidically connected to the second heat exchange passages, such that the second medium can be drawn off from the second heat exchange passages via the second collector.

A heat exchanger of said type is presented for example in “The standards of the brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger manufacturer's association (ALPEMA)”, third edition, 2010, page 67, in FIG. 9-1. Said heat exchanger has a shell (or “kettle”), which surrounds a shell chamber, and at least one plate-type heat exchanger (“core” or “block”) arranged in the shell chamber. Such an embodiment of a heat exchanger is thus also referred to as a “core-in-shell” or “block-in-shell” heat exchanger. Here, a first pipeline projects in an axial direction of the shell in particular from the second collector of the plate-type heat exchanger, which serves for the drawing-off of the liquefied second medium, and said first pipeline is then returned to a connector of the shell arranged below the block, via which connector the liquefied second medium can be drawn off.

Taking this as a starting point, it is the object of the present invention to provide a block-in-shell heat exchanger of the type mentioned in the introduction, which makes it possible to realize a shortening of the axial length of the shell.

Said object is achieved by way of a heat exchanger having the features of claim 1.

According to said claim, it is provided that the second collector extends along a direction of extent along the second side, wherein a first pipeline, which extends along the direction of extent and which is preferably aligned with the second collector, is fluidically connected to the second collector for the purposes of drawing off the second medium from the second collector and is led out of the shell chamber of the heat exchanger in the direction of extent through a through opening of the shell. In the case of a heat exchanger arranged in the intended manner, the direction of extent preferably runs parallel to the horizontal, in particular parallel to the second side and parallel to a top side of the heat exchanger block.

In this way, it is possible in principle for structural space to be saved along the longitudinal or cylinder axis of the shell. The heat exchanger block can be designed to be altogether shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis. It is correspondingly possible for the shell or kettle to be shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

It is also provided according to the invention that the first collector extends along the direction of extent along the first side, wherein at least one first inlet connector is provided which is connected to the first collector and which projects from the first collector transversely with respect to the direction of extent, wherein the second medium can be introduced into the first collector via the first inlet connector, and wherein the heat exchanger has a third collector which is arranged in the shell chamber and which is fluidically connected to the at least one inlet connector, wherein in particular, the third collector is of hollow spherical or hollow hemispherical form.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it may furthermore be provided that, in addition, a further first pipeline which extends along the direction of extent is fluidically connected to the second collector for the purposes of drawing off the second medium from the second collector and is led out of the shell chamber counter to the direction of extent through a further through opening of the shell, which further through opening is situated opposite the former through opening in the direction of extent. It is preferably the case that the first and the further first pipeline are aligned with one another and project from mutually averted sides of the second collector.

It is furthermore preferably provided that the first collector extends along the direction of extent along the first side, wherein at least one first inlet connector is provided which is connected to the first collector and which projects from the first collector transversely with respect to the direction of extent, wherein the second medium can be introduced into the first collector via the first inlet connector. The first inlet connector is preferably arranged tangentially with respect to the first collector. It is preferably provided that, in the case of a heat exchanger arranged in the intended manner, the at least one first inlet connector runs along the vertical or parallel to the first side or normally with respect to the top side of the heat exchanger block. It is furthermore also possible for a second inlet connector or multiple additional inlet connectors to be provided, which likewise extends transversely with respect to the direction of extent, specifically preferably parallel to the first inlet connector. The second inlet connector and/or the additional inlet connectors are/is likewise preferably arranged tangentially with respect to the first collector.

The first and the second side preferably run parallel to one another and connect a bottom side of the heat exchanger block to a top side of the heat exchanger block. The top and bottom side in turn preferably run parallel to one another, wherein it is preferably the case that the top and the bottom side run horizontally in the case of a heat exchanger arranged in the intended manner.

The generally cuboidal heat exchanger block of the plate-type heat exchanger preferably has a multiplicity of separating plates or separating lamellae arranged parallel to one another, which separating plates or separating lamellae form the first and second heat exchange passages. It is preferable for heat-conducting structures, for example in the form of folded or corrugated lamellae (so-called fins), to be provided in each case between adjacent separating plates. The outermost layers of the plate-type heat exchanger are formed by cover plates. In this way, a multiplicity of parallel ducts, or a first or second heat exchange passage, through which an associated medium can flow is formed between in each case two separating plates, or between a separating plate and a cover plate, owing to the heat-conducting structure (e.g. fin) respectively arranged in between. The first and second heat exchange passages are preferably arranged adjacent to one another, such that the first and the second medium can indirectly exchange heat as they flow through the associated passage.

To the sides, it is preferably the case that terminating strips (so-called side bars) are provided between in each case two adjacent separating plates, or between a cover plate and the adjacent separating plate, for the purposes of closing off the respective heat exchange passage. The first heat exchange passages are open, and in particular not closed off by terminating strips, upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the vertical. Here, each first heat exchange passage has an inlet opening on the bottom side of the heat exchanger block, via which inlet opening the liquid phase of the first medium can pass into the first heat exchange passages, and an outlet opening on the top side of the heat exchanger block, via which outlet opening the second medium can emerge as liquid or gaseous phase at the top side of the heat exchanger block. The cover plates, separating plates, fins and side bars are preferably manufactured from aluminum, and are preferably brazed together for example in a furnace. Here, and below, the expression “aluminum” also encompasses aluminum alloys.

It is preferably also provided that the second collector protrudes beyond the heat exchanger block along the direction of extent.

The first pipeline may be connected to the second collector by way of a welded connection or may be integrally formed in unipartite fashion on the second collector. In a preferred refinement of the invention, the first pipeline is connected to the second collector by way of a separate, preferably ring-shaped connecting element, also referred to as a transition joint. In this case, the second collector is preferably composed of aluminum, and the first pipeline is composed of a steel. The connecting element is preferably of tubular form and has a first end region, which is preferably manufactured from aluminum and connected (e.g. by welding) to a component composed of aluminum (e.g. second collector), and a second end region, which is connected to the first end region and which is manufactured from a steel and which is connected (e.g. by welding) to a component composed of steel (e.g. first pipeline). The connecting element thus permits a connection of the different materials of the second collector and of the first pipeline. The two end regions of the connecting element may be connected to one another by way of further ring-shaped material regions of the connecting element, for example three material regions which adjoin one another in the sequence aluminum, titanium and nickel, wherein the connection to the end region composed of aluminum is produced by way of the aluminum material region, and the connection to the end region manufactured from steel is produced by way of the nickel material region.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the heat exchanger has a third collector which is arranged in the shell chamber and which is fluidically connected to the at least one inlet connector, such that the second medium can flow into the first inlet connector via the third collector. The third collector is preferably of hollow spherical form.

The third collector is preferably connected to the at least one inlet connector of the first collector by way of a second pipeline. If a second inlet connector is provided (or possibly more than two inlet connectors), the respective further inlet connector is preferably fluidically connected to the third collector by way of a further second pipeline. Here, the second pipelines open in each case into the hollow spherical third collector. If only one inlet connector is provided, it is self-evidently possible to dispense with the third collector.

It is furthermore preferably provided that the third collector is fluidically connected to a third pipeline which in particular projects from the third collector and is led out of the shell chamber of the heat exchanger through a through opening of the shell. The third pipeline preferably extends transversely with respect to said direction of extent, preferably along the vertical or normally with respect to the top side of the heat exchanger block.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second pipeline is connected to the at least one inlet connector by way of a separate, in particular ring-shaped connecting element (transition joint, cf. above). If multiple inlet connectors are provided on the first collector, the second pipelines are each connected to the associated inlet connector by way of a connecting element of said type. In the case of such an arrangement of one or more connecting elements, the second pipelines, the third collector and the third pipeline are composed of a steel, whereas the respective inlet connector is composed of aluminum. The second and/or third pipelines are then preferably welded to the third collector or integrally formed thereon in unipartite fashion. Said connecting elements then in turn in each case ensure the connection between the different materials of the inlet connectors and of the second pipelines (see above).

As an alternative to this, it is possible, according to a further preferred embodiment, for the third pipeline to be connected to the third collector by way of a separate, in particular ring-shaped connecting element. In this case, it is preferably provided that the third pipeline is manufactured from a steel and that the third collector and the second pipelines and the inlet connectors are manufactured from aluminum. The second pipelines may then for example be welded to the third collector or integrally formed thereon in unipartite fashion. Furthermore, the second pipelines may be welded to the respective inlet connector or integrally formed on the respective inlet connector in unipartite fashion.

According to one embodiment, it is also possible to dispense with some or all of the connecting elements, wherein then, it is preferably the case that the components to be connected to one another are manufactured from the same material or from materials which permit a direct connection of the respective components. A direct connection is to be understood here to mean a connection which has or requires no separate connecting element which is connected to the two components and arranged between these. A direct connection in this sense is in particular a cohesive connection between the respective components (e.g. collector, pipeline), e.g. a welded connection. Furthermore, a direct connection exists if the two components are for example integrally formed on one another in unipartite fashion.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements can be dispensed with if the shell of the heat exchanger and the further components, such as pipelines, connector and heat exchanger blocks, are manufactured from aluminum or from a similar material (in the above sense).

The top side of the heat exchanger block, which runs perpendicular to the two sides and on which the first and the second collector are mounted and which adjoins the two sides, preferably runs, at the level of the longitudinal or cylinder axis, along the shell (that is to say the cylinder axis runs in the plane formed by the top side). The heat exchanger according to the invention therefore advantageously has, above the top side of the block, a relatively large structural space for accommodating the pipe arrangement or an evaporated gaseous phase of the first medium.

In this regard, it is preferably provided that the at least one second pipeline has a curvature such that the at least one second pipeline, or possibly multiple second pipelines (see above), runs or run, in sections, above the top side of the heat exchanger block along the top side. In this way, it is possible in particular to ensure the required flexibility for the thermal expansion of the pipelines and of the block.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the second collector is mounted on the shell of the heat exchanger, specifically preferably by way of a guide mount, which is preferably fastened to an inner side of the shell of the heat exchanger. Here, the guide mount is designed to prevent displacement of the second collector transversely with respect to the direction of extent and to permit thermally induced displacements between the heat exchanger block and the shell of the heat exchanger in and counter to the direction of extent, and also twisting of the second collector about the direction of extent.

Furthermore, by way of the guide mount, thermal insulation of the heat exchanger block with respect to the shell is possible, for example by virtue of the second collector lying by way of a free end on the guide mount with the interposition of an insulation material.

Said end of the second collector may be in the form of a tubular elongation of the second collector, and may be closed off by way of a planar plate, such that the second medium cannot flow out at said end of the second collector.

The guide mount may support and simultaneously engage around the end of the second collector, such that only a movement along the direction of extent is possible. For example, the guide mount may be of U-shaped form, wherein a pin may be provided which can be arranged or can be fixed to the guide mount such that said pin runs above the end of the second collector and thus prevents a movement of the end of the second collector out of the guide mount in a vertical direction.

It is furthermore preferably provided that the first and/or the second collector have/has, transversely with respect to the direction of extent thereof, an enclosure angle of preferably greater than 180°, wherein the enclosure angle is furthermore preferably less than 270°, preferably less than 260°, preferably less than 250°, preferably less than 240°, preferably less than 230°, preferably less than 220°, preferably less than 210°, preferably less than 200°. Considering, in the present case, a cross section of the first or second collector transversely with respect to the direction of extent, this yields in each case a circular-arc-shaped contour of the corresponding collector shell, wherein the enclosure angle corresponds to the center angle spanning the respective circular-arc-shaped contour (that is to say the angle between the two radii that run to the two ends of the circular-arc-shaped contour).

In a preferred embodiment, the third collector may be forged from a metal or may have forged sections. It is thus possible for the third collector to have, for example, a hollow hemisphere or a hollow sphere, which may in each case be forged.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger is provided which has only the features of the preamble of claim 1. Said subject matter may be refined by the subclaims, which specify preferred embodiments of said heat exchanger, possibly in combination with the characterizing feature of claim 1.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be discussed on the basis of the figures in the following figure description of exemplary embodiments. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective, partially sectional view of a heat exchanger according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a further perspective, partially sectional view of a heat exchanger according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective, partially sectional view of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the guide mount of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 shows a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the third collector.

FIG. 1 shows, in conjunction with FIG. 2, a block-in-shell heat exchanger 1 according to the invention. The heat exchanger 1 has a shell 3 which extends along a longitudinal or cylinder axis L which, in the case of a heat exchanger 1 arranged in the intended manner, runs along the horizontal. The shell 3 defines a shell chamber M in which a plate-type heat exchanger 2 is arranged. The latter has a cuboidal heat exchanger block 20 which has, for example, alternately mutually adjacently arranged and in particular vertical first and second heat exchange passages 201, 202 which are designed in each case for receiving a first and second medium S, S′ respectively, such that the two media can indirectly exchange heat. The heat exchange passages 201, 202 are in this case delimited by two parallel separating plates 203 (the two outermost separating plates 203 of the block 20 are referred to as cover plates), between which there is arranged in each case one heat-conducting structure 205, which in the present case is in the form of a so-called fin, that is to say in the form of a corrugated or folded lamella, such that, together with the respective two separating plates 203, a multiplicity of parallel ducts for the respective medium S, S′ is formed.

As indicated in FIG. 2, the first heat exchange passages 201 are designed to be open toward the top side 20 c and toward the bottom side 20 d (not shown). That is to say, corresponding inlet openings are provided on the bottom side 20 d, via which inlet openings the first medium S which is fed into the shell chamber M and which forms a bath around the block 20 can enter the first heat exchange passages 201 and can rise upward therein (so-called thermosiphon effect) and can emerge from the first heat exchange passages 201 again, e.g. as a liquid and/or gaseous phase, at the top side 20 c via corresponding outlet openings O″.

Toward the sides 20 a, 20 b, the first and second heat exchange passages 201 are closed off by so-called edge or terminating strips (side bars) 204. The second heat exchange passages 202 are additionally closed off in an upward and downward direction by such terminating strips 204.

The components of the plate-type heat exchanger 2, such as for example the separating plates 203, the fins 205, the side bars 204 and the collectors 21, 22, are preferably manufactured from aluminum. The separating plates 203, side bars 204 and fins 205 are preferably brazed together in a furnace.

As it rises upward in the heat exchanger block 20, the first medium S is brought into indirect heat-exchanging contact with the second medium S′ which, for example, is conducted in a countercurrent configuration in the respectively adjacent second heat exchange passages 202. In this way, the initially gaseous second medium S′ is cooled and in particular liquefied, whereas the first medium S is heated and possibly evaporated. A gaseous phase of the first medium S that forms here collects in the shell chamber 3 above the plate-type heat exchanger 2, and can be drawn off from there. It is preferably the case that the liquid phase of the first medium S which emerges, together with the gaseous phase that is formed, at the top side 20 c of the plate-type heat exchanger 2 is recirculated into the bath surrounding the plate-type heat exchanger 2.

For the feed of the second medium S′ into the second heat exchange passages 202 of the heat exchanger block 20, a first collector 21 is fixed to a first side 20 a, which runs perpendicular to the top side 20 c, of the block 20, which first collector extends along a direction of extent E over the entire first side 20 a and is fluidically connected to the individual second heat exchange passages 202, such that second medium S′ that is fed into the first collector 21 can pass into the passages 202. Furthermore, at least one first inlet connector 31 is fluidically connected to the first collector 21, wherein the first inlet connector 31 is arranged tangentially with respect to the first collector 21 and runs perpendicular to the direction of extent E, specifically preferably along the vertical. The first inlet connector 31 is furthermore connected to a second pipeline 42, which in turn opens into a third collector 23, which is of hollow spherical form.

Furthermore, it is also possible for a second (or multiple) inlet connector(s) 32 to be provided, which is/are arranged parallel to the first inlet connector and which likewise open(s) into the first collector 21. The second inlet connector 32 is then in turn fluidically connected to a further second pipeline 43, which opens into the third collector 23.

The third collector 23 is in turn fluidically connected to a third pipeline 44 which is led out of the shell chamber M through an associated through opening O′ of the shell 3 of the heat exchanger 1 (the inlet connectors 31, 32, the two second pipelines 42, 43 and the third collector 23 are thus arranged in the shell chamber M of the heat exchanger 1).

The second medium S′ can correspondingly, in particular as a gaseous phase, be conducted through the third pipeline 44 into the third collector 23 and from there via the second pipelines 42, 43 into the first collector 21 and fed into the second heat exchange passages 202.

Here, the flexibility for expansion compensation is provided entirely above the top side 20 c of the block 20 by virtue of the second pipelines 42, 43, proceeding from the respective inlet connector 31, 32, being led initially in arcuate fashion across the top side 20 c and then opening into the third collector 23. The top side 20 c of the block 20 is in this case situated at the level of the central longitudinal axis L of the shell 3, and the relatively large shell chamber volume in relation to the volume vertically below the block 20 is situated above the top side 20 c, and permits flexible line guidance.

Furthermore, the connectors 31, 32, which emerge radially from the spherical collector 23 at any desired positions, and second pipelines 42, 44 permit flexible line guidance, wherein the required wall thickness in accordance with ASME VIII for the internal pressure necessitates approximately half of the wall thickness in relation to a cylindrical collector.

The fact that the inlet connectors 31, 32 are mounted tangentially on the first collector/header 21 furthermore permits line guidance with at least two line bends (curved sections of the second pipelines 42, 43), and consequently makes it possible to realize a plate-type heat exchanger 2 which is scarcely longer along the longitudinal axis L than the block 20 with the two collectors 21, 22. Thus, the shell 3 or kettle can also be dimensioned to be very compact with small dimensions and a correspondingly low refrigerant requirement.

As shown in FIG. 1, at least two different embodiments exist as regards the arrangement of so-called connecting elements 52, 53 and 54, which are also referred to as transition joints. The connecting elements 52, 53, 54 are used for a change of the material between aluminum and steel. Here, in each case that end region of a connecting element 51, 52, 53, 54 which is intended for connection to aluminum is composed of aluminum, wherein furthermore, that end region of the respective connecting element 51, 52, 53, 54 which is intended to be connected to steel is composed of steel.

Such connecting elements 52, 53 may on the one hand, with regard to the first collector 21, be arranged between the inlet connector 31, 32 and the associated second pipelines 42, 43, wherein in this case, the inlet connectors 31, 32 and the first collector 21 are preferably composed of aluminum and the second pipelines 42, 43, the third collector 23 and the third pipeline 44 are composed of steel. The connecting element 54 can be omitted.

As an alternative to this, the connecting elements 52 and 53 may be omitted. Here, it is then the case that the inlet connectors 31, 32, the second pipelines 42, 43 and the third collector 23 are manufactured from aluminum. A connecting element or transition joint 54 (cf. dashed line in FIG. 1) then connects the third collector 23 to the third pipeline 44, which is then preferably manufactured from steel and led out of the shell chamber M (see above).

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first collector 21 is arranged on the first side 20 a of the block 2 at the edge to the top side 20 c. The second collector 22 on the second side 20 b of the block 20, which is situated opposite the first side 20 a of the block 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and which is averted from the first side 20 a, is, by contrast, arranged at the edge to the bottom side 20 d of the block 20, and serves for collecting and drawing off the liquefied second medium S′.

For this purpose, from the second collector 22 which extends along the direction of extent E along the entire second side 20 b, there projects a first pipeline 41 a which is aligned with the second collector 22 and which is connected to the second collector 22 by way of a connecting element 51 (also referred to as transition joint, see above). Here, the second collector 22 is preferably, like the block 20, manufactured from aluminum, whereas the first pipeline 41 a is preferably manufactured from a steel. The first pipeline 41 a is aligned with the second collector 22 and is led out of the shell chamber M through a through opening O of the shell 3.

The second collector 22 is, by way of a free end 71 on a side averted from the first pipeline 41 a, hooked preferably as per FIG. 4 into a guide mount 72 and secured there by way of a pin 73. The guide mount 72 is fixed to an inner side 3 a of the shell 3 and forms a (preferably U-shaped) receptacle, which is open in an upward direction, for the free end 72 of the second collector 22, which is closed at said end 72 such that the second medium S′ cannot emerge there.

By way of the guide mount 72, the block 20 is positioned in the shell or kettle 3, wherein a movement of the second collector 22 along and about the direction of extent E is possible. The guide mount 72 prevents a movement of the second collector 22 transversely with respect to the direction of extent E, wherein the second collector 22 is prevented from falling out of the guide mount 72 in an upward direction by the pin 73 which, together with the guide mount 72, surrounds the free end 72 of the second collector 22 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extent E. Said guide constitutes an effective means for protecting the block 20 against dynamic load situations, for example earthquakes.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the second collector 22 in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein, by contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second collector 22 is not hooked by way of a free end 71 into a guide mount 72, it rather being the case that a further first pipeline 41 b projects from the second collector 22 counter to the direction of extent E, which further first pipeline is in turn connected by way of a connecting element 51 to the second collector 22 (the further first pipeline 4 lb is in this case in turn manufactured from a steel, and the second collector 22 is manufactured from aluminum, see above) and is led out of the shell 3 of the heat exchanger 1 counter to the direction of extent E (that is to say oppositely to the first pipeline 41 a). Thus, the second medium S′ can be drawn off from the second collector 22 from two sides, or in the case of a reversed flow direction, can be fed into the second collector 22 from two sides. The guide mount 72 as per FIGS. 1 and 4 is thus replaced by a rigid fixed mount.

The heat exchanger 1 or block 20 according to the invention in the structural form described above consequently advantageously makes it possible to realize a short kettle 3, and furthermore has advantages in dynamic load situations (earthquakes). In particular for LNG (natural gas) applications, in which the high pressures in the case of conventional block-in-shell heat exchangers generally necessitate multiple connectors and collecting lines, savings are possible. For example, one collecting line is eliminated entirely, and the relatively small wall thickness of the spherical third collector 23 leads to material savings and reduces the welding volume. The relatively small kettle 3 furthermore requires less coolant.

It is preferably the case that additional drainage lines 61, 62 are provided for the evacuation of the block 20, which drainage lines produce a fluidic connection between the third collector 23 and the second collector 22 and between the inlet connectors 31, 32 and the second collector 22. In FIG. 1, the drainage lines 61, 62 are illustrated in particular for the situation in which the third collector 23 is manufactured from aluminum. In the case of a third collector 23 composed of steel, the drainage line 61 is preferably likewise manufactured from steel, and is preferably attached to the first pipeline 41 a, which is likewise preferably manufactured from steel. The drainage line 62 is in any case preferably manufactured from aluminum.

The first and the second collector 21, 22 preferably have, perpendicular to the direction of extent E, an enclosure angle of greater than 180°, which yields a more expedient flow cross section.

Furthermore, the spherical third collector 23 yields multiple possibilities for the orientation of the connectors. Furthermore, through the use of multiple inlet connectors 31, 32, it is possible for the inflow in the block 20 to be controlled in an advantageous manner.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the third collector 23, which could likewise be used in the embodiments as per FIGS. 1 to 3. Here, the third collector 23 is in the form of a hollow hemisphere, which preferably adjoins the third pipeline 44 in a flush manner. The third pipeline 44 may in this case be welded to the circumference of the hemispherical third collector 23, wherein the second pipelines 42, 43 project from the third collector 23 as above.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

-   1 Heat exchanger -   2 Plate-type heat exchanger -   3 Shell -   3 a Inner side -   20 Heat exchanger block -   20 a First side -   20 b Second side -   20 c Top side -   20 d Bottom side -   21 First collector -   22 Second collector -   23 Third collector -   31 First inlet connector -   32 Second inlet connector -   41 a First pipeline -   41 b Further first pipeline -   42 Second pipeline -   43 Further second pipeline -   44 Third pipeline -   51, 52, 53, 54 Connecting element -   61, 62 Drainage line -   71 End -   72 Guide mount -   73 Pin -   201 First heat exchange passages -   202 Second heat exchange passages -   203 Separating or cover plate -   204 Terminating strips (side bars) -   205 Heat-conducting structures (e.g. fins) -   E Direction of extent -   L Longitudinal axis -   O Through opening -   Q Through opening -   O′ Through opening -   O″ Outlet opening -   S First medium -   S′ Second medium -   M Shell chamber 

1. A heat exchanger for the indirect exchange of heat between a first and a second medium, having a shell which surrounds a shell chamber for receiving the first medium, a plate-type heat exchanger which is arranged in the shell chamber and which has a heat exchanger block with first heat exchange passages for receiving the first medium and with second heat exchange passages for receiving the second medium, a first collector which is fixed to a first side of the heat exchanger block and which is fluidically connected to the second heat exchange passages, such that the second medium can be introduced into the second heat exchange passages via the first collector, and a second collector which is fixed to a second side, averted from the first side, of the heat exchanger block and which is fluidically connected to the second heat exchange passages, such that the second medium can be drawn off from the second heat exchange passages via the second collector, wherein the second collector extends along a direction of extent along the second side, wherein a first pipeline which extends along the direction of extent is fluidically connected to the second collector for the purposes of drawing off the second medium from the second collector and is led out of the shell chamber in the direction of extent through a through opening of the shell, characterized in that the first collector extends along the direction of extent along the first side, wherein at least one first inlet connector is provided which is connected to the first collector and which projects from the first collector transversely with respect to the direction of extent, wherein the second medium can be introduced into the first collector via the first inlet connector, and wherein the heat exchanger has a third collector which is arranged in the shell chamber and which is fluidically connected to the at least one inlet connector, wherein the third collector is of hollow spherical or hollow hemispherical form.
 2. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in addition, a further first pipeline which extends along the direction of extent is fluidically connected to the second collector for the purposes of drawing off the second medium from the second collector and is led out of the shell chamber counter to the direction of extent through a further through opening of the shell, which further through opening is situated opposite the former through opening, wherein in particular, the first and the further first pipeline are aligned with one another and project from mutually averted sides of the second collector.
 3. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second collector protrudes beyond the heat exchanger block in or counter to the direction of extent.
 4. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the first pipeline or the further first pipeline is connected to the second collector by way of a separate connecting element, wherein the second collector is manufactured from aluminum, and wherein, the first pipeline or the further first pipeline is manufactured from a steel.
 5. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the third collector is connected to the at least one inlet connector of the first collector by way of a second pipeline.
 6. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the third collector is fluidically connected to a third pipeline which is led out of the shell chamber through a second through opening of the shell, wherein the third pipeline runs transversely with respect to the direction of extent or along the vertical. cm
 7. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the second pipeline is connected to the at least one inlet connector by way of a separate connecting element, wherein the second pipeline or and/or the third collector is are/is manufactured from a steel, and wherein the at least one inlet connector manufactured from aluminum.
 8. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the third pipeline is connected to the third collector by way of a separate connecting element, wherein the third pipeline is manufactured from a steel, and wherein the third collector, the second pipeline or the first inlet connector is manufactured from aluminum.
 9. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the heat exchanger block has a top side which is adjoined by the two sides, wherein the top side runs perpendicular to the two sides.
 10. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the shell extends along a cylinder axis of the shell, wherein the top side runs parallel to the cylinder axis and wherein the cylinder axis lies in the plane formed by the top side
 11. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the second pipeline runs, in sections, above the top side of the heat exchanger block along the top side.
 12. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second collector is mounted on the shell of the heat exchanger, wherein an end of the second collector lies on a guide mount which is fixed to the shell of the heat exchanger, such that the second collector can move along the direction of extent in the guide mount.
 13. The heat exchanger as claimed claim 9, characterized in that the first heat exchange passages have in each case one outlet opening on the top side of the heat exchanger block and have in each case one inlet opening on a bottom side, averted from the top side, of the heat exchanger block, such that a first medium situated in the shell chamber and surrounding the heat exchanger block can pass via the inlet openings into the first heat exchange passages and can rise upward therein and can emerge again from the outlet openings.
 14. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first or the second collector has an enclosure angle of greater than 180°.
 15. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the third collector has a forged hemisphere or hollow hemisphere.
 16. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the first pipeline or the further first pipeline is connected directly to the second collector, wherein the second collector is manufactured from aluminum and wherein the first pipeline or the further first pipeline is manufactured from aluminum.
 17. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the second pipeline is connected directly to the at least one inlet connector, wherein the second pipeline or the third collector is manufactured from aluminum, and wherein the at least one inlet connector is manufactured from aluminum.
 18. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the third pipeline is connected directly to the third collector, wherein the third pipeline is manufactured from an aluminum, and wherein the third collector, the second pipeline or the first inlet connector is manufactured from aluminum. 